India Extends Import Ban on Chinese Milk and Confectionery Products to June 2017

The ban on import of milk and milk products including chocolates and candies from China has been extended up to June 23, 2017, Minister of State for health Anupriya Patel informed Lok Sabha today…Full Article: India Today Dec 2016

Key Points

Since January 2015, India has not imported eggs or milk from China.

In September 2008, India instituted a ban on Chinese milk products due to the melamine contamination scandal.

ChinaAg Comments

In April 2016, India banned the importation of Chinese milk and milk products (as well as some electronic, cell phone, and steel products).

In September 2014, India urged China to open its market to Indian exports of non-Basmati rice. Indian trade sources stated that they believe the import ban on non-basmati rice is politically motivated as China imports non-basmati rice from Pakistan. At the same time, Russia, who has “stringent” phytosanitary requirements for rice, imports Indian rice without any major issues.

In January 2012, China banned the importation of Indian rapeseed meal.

India’s agricultural trade with China is characterized by fabrics and textiles. India exports a large amount of unprocessed cotton (e.g. raw & yarn) and imports processed cotton (e.g. woven fabric). India also imports a significant amount of silk, while exporting a fair amount of raw hides & skins. India primarily imports silk, cotton, wood & wood products and fresh fruit from China. Since 2005, silk imports have fluctuated from a low of US$357 million in 2006, to a high of US$494 million in 2010. Cotton imports have been relatively stagnant, with wood & wood products and fresh fruit imports recording a year-on-year increase (by value) since 2002.